Dear Scouter,

Across the country, millions of Scouts rely on support from the National Boy Scouts of America to provide the world-class programming and training that makes Scouting the nation's foremost youth program.

The National BSA is funded directly by the membership fee you pay when you register to be a Scout. In order to maintain their support of local Scouting, the national organization has announced an increase in their annual membership fee from $15 to $24 effective January 1, 2014. This applies to all December 2013 unit recharters, since they go into effect January 1, 2014.

These funds are used to:

• Develop program materials and resources.
• Deliver training for professional Scouters and volunteer leaders.
• Provide a safe environment for Scouts with the most effective youth protection policies and systems.
• Maintain infrastructure support for local Council's such as membership and advancement databases.

The annual membership fee is the only direct cost from the National BSA to youth and adult members. All other services from the National BSA are without additional charge. Scouting remains the best value among the many activities your family could choose to take part in. This membership fee increase equates to only .75 cents more per month to be part of the once-in-a-lifetime adventures and leadership development programs you can only find in Scouting. (NOTE: all proceeds from camp fees, program fees, Friends of Scouting donations, and Scout Shop purchases all stay local to help support our local Scouting program).

As always, our focus is to build the leaders of this country by combining adventure, educational activities, and lifelong values. This fee increase ensures that the National BSA will be able to continue providing the excellent services you and your family count on - and will make sure that we can continue doing great things for the young people and communities we serve.

For questions about the National BSA membership fee, please contact your Service Area Commissioner or Service Area Executive.

Yours in Scouting,

John A. Gilmore                                              John H. Mosby